Contact

Melody Curtis
Arkansas Extension Homemakers
Phone: 501-671-2012
Fax: 501-671-2323
Email: mcurtis@uada.edu

Office:
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
2301 S. University Avenue
Little Rock, AR 72204

Taking Care of Yourself this Holiday Season

by Katie Frizzell - December 14, 2020

Have you ever experienced a “Blue Christmas?” Maybe something about the holiday season just makes you stressed or sad. Stress can increase around the holiday season because of heightened expectations, financial burdens, and busy schedules. One thing that may be causing you stress and worry is having to spend the holidays with difficult family members. You might be thinking, “How will I make it through dinner without going off?” Another reason you may experience sadness around this time of year is that you are missing a loved one that you used to spend the seasonal times with. The key to making it through the holiday season, no matter what is getting to you, is practicing self-care.

Self-care is taking care of yourself in the best way for you. There are many things you can do to take care of yourself every day, some big and some small. Anything from brushing your teeth, getting some exercise, watching a favorite movie, or buying yourself something nice are all forms of self-care. It is important o practice self-care year-round, but during this time of the year in which we are more likely to experience negative feelings, there are some seasonal-specific things you can do to improve your holiday experience and hopefully lower stress and increase happiness. Try out some of these tips for practicing self-care during the holiday season:

Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or seek counseling to talk about how you are feeling. Or to just talk in general. Talking can help you work out your thoughts rationally.
Practice deep breathing and mindfulness. When you are experiencing heightened moments of stress, try taking deep breathes and counting to ten. You could also try naming things you are grateful for while deep breathing.
Avoid comparing your holidays to others’. What you see on social media is not exactly what is going on in real life. People choose what they put online, meaning it is the best version they could project into the world. They aren’t sharing their arguments, crying kids, or ruined desserts online for a reason.
Try out a new hobby or something you’ve always wanted to learn to do. It may be especially helpful to try a relaxing hobby. Some ideas could be painting, cross stitch, embroidery, crochet, knitting, sewing, or baking.
Create a cozy area you can retreat to. This could be a spot in your bedroom, or a corner in the living room. Set up with a comfy place to sit, some blankets, mood lighting, and cushy pillows. Make this your go-to spot for when you need to wind down.
Drink a warm beverage such as tea, coffee, hot cocoa, or cider to calm down or to just treat yourself when the mood strikes.
There might not be anything worse than dealing with all the stress and being uncomfortable while you do it. Try dressing comfy. Break out the stretchy pants and fuzzy socks. Pair them with a nice (but comfy) top and you are picture perfect from the waist up, but you are also comfortable a ready to take on the day.
Take a walk and enjoy the fall foliage. Take pictures or write in a journal about your views. Whether it’s after you’ve eaten a bit too much or maybe the family discussion is turning into more of an argument, a walk can be beneficial for you physically and mentally.
Listen to calming music, a podcast you enjoy, an audiobook, or watch a comforting TV show or movie to wind down after a long day.
Unplug from your phone and social media and spend time with family and friends and just enjoy the moment together.

We all know the holidays can be stressful or even sad, but they can also be enjoyable if we make them that way. Whatever it may be for you that is causing these stressors this season, you are not alone. Many people around you are also feeling the same way. Simple self-care moments can help you during the holidays. By practicing some self-care during this time of the year, we can lower our stress levels and increase those happiness levels. Give some of these tips a try and see how it can positively effect your time spent celebrating this year.

For more personal well-being and self-care resources please visit https://www.uaex.uada.edu/life-skills-wellness/personal-family-well-being/